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Phillip C. Cooper

1943 - 2024

Phillip C. Cooper obituary, 1943-2024, Epworth, IA

BORN

1943

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Reiff Funeral Home - Epworth

115 E. Main Street

Epworth, Iowa

Phillip Cooper Obituary

Phillip C. Cooper, 81, of Holy Cross, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at his home.


Visitation for Phillip will be held from 10 to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday November 30, 2024, at the Epworth United Methodist Church in Epworth, Iowa where services will be held at 1 p.m. with Pastor Annie Walker presiding.  The Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.  Burial will be held at a later date.


Phillip was born on September 10, 1943, in Red Oak, Iowa, son of Clinton and Lois (Boham) Cooper.  He graduated in 1961 from of Corning High School in Corning, Iowa.  He attended Iowa State University in Ames, Ia, graduating with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1966 and a MS in Metallurgy in 1968.


 Phil was united in marriage to Jane Turner on November 25, 1965.  He worked at John Deere Dubuque Works as a Design Engineer from 1968-1992.  He also farmed in the rural Holy Cross area until 2016.  He continued to love life on the farm and shared many adventures with his extended family.


Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jane Cooper of Holy Cross, IA; three children, Laura (Roland) Lai of Seattle, WA, Allen (Stephanie) Cooper of North Liberty, IA, and Eric (Sara) Cooper of Dubuque; six grandchildren, Sarah and Samantha Lai, Andrea and Caroline Cooper, Catherine (Joseph) Berthel, and Carl Klaeska; siblings, Kathy DeVore of Jesup, Lynda Cooper of Las Vegas, and James (Sharon) Cooper of North Liberty; two sisters-in-law, Catherine (Steven) Remington of Anamosa, and Lynn Turner of Milwaukee, WI.


He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Theodore Turner; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Platt and Laura Hoffman.


The family would like to give a big thank you to the Care Team from Hospice of Dubuque.  Their help made his last months at home possible.


In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made in memory of Phillip C. Cooper to Hospice of Dubuque, the Epworth United Methodist Church, and the Alzheimer’s Association.


A Video Tribute may be viewed, and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Published by Reiff Funeral Home - Epworth on Nov. 23, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Cooper

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John Carpenter

May 11, 2025

I just found this sad news as I was searching for news of old friends. My condolences to Jane and others who were close to Phil.
Phil and I were roommates and friends at Iowa State and he was best man at my wedding. We had some good times together, some involving the Indian mortorcycle or the straight eight Pontiac he was able keep going with his mechanical skills. I always appreciated his upbeat, positive attitude.
My best to you all.

Mary Berghaus

November 30, 2024

Uncle Phil was loved by so many because he gave love so freely. He will be greatly missed. I have so many wonderful memories of time spent on the farm growing up.

One such memory was visiting the piggies before attending the Last Supper play at Uncle Phil and Aunt Jane’s church. My mom was upset because I was quite smelly for the remainder of the evening!

Sending love, hugs, prayers for comfort and peace, and condolences to Aunt Jane, Allen and Steph, Laura and Roland, Eric and Sara, and all of your families. I am sorry I could not be with you today in person, to grieve the loss, and celebrate the life and legacy of Uncle Phil.

Sandy Nickel

November 29, 2024

Jane . . . I recall playing cards with you, Laura and Phil on your enclosed deck quite a few years ago. I managed to win a game or two, which made it more fun (for me). At that time Phil was already having problems, yet I felt his kindness across the game table. A fond memory. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Jason DeVore

November 28, 2024

Uncle Phil was truly an amazing man and he will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers to aunt Jane, Laura and Roland, Allen and Stephanie, Eric and Sara and all of your families.

Wendy DeVore

November 28, 2024

Condolences to all who knew and loved Phil. We are very thankful to have known him and to have memories of him teaching us new things and bringing joy to all our gatherings.

Gloria Lai

November 27, 2024

Dear Jane, Laura, and the whole family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences. Gloria & Daniel

Jim & Donelle Naven

November 27, 2024

Jane and Family,
Donelle and I send you, our deepest Sympathies.
I always enjoyed chatting with Phil at our family gatherings.
And Donelle has fond memories of her visit to your farm twelve or so years ago.
May your Happy Memories of Phil bring you Comfort and Joy!

Miriam Eick

November 25, 2024

Dear Jane and family, When I saw the name Jane Cooper in the obituary for Philip, I contacted Dawn to see if this was your husband, and she sadly said yes. Please know I care about your loss and send you and your family my love, thought, and prayers. Even though I did not know your husband, I can tell from what I read in his obituary and tributes that our communities are having to bid a fond farewell to one great and glorious husband, dad, and extended family member. I am just so saddened for you. What an honor it has been to get to meet you and visit with you through the library and your church at the invitation of our Assistant Director, Dawn Schrandt. May knowing others care, help you to walk through the valley of darkness. I feel Phil is reaping the rewards of the good seeds he sowed upon this earth. Knowing he no longer suffers the pangs of pain of this earth, we rejoice , but the void he leaves will take time to heal. Jane, I know your strong faith will see you through this period of mourning and grief. Sharing in your sorrow. Sincerely meant Miriam Eick

Daniel Mueller

November 25, 2024

I had to pleasure of working with Phil at Deere of several crawler design projects. He was a very dedicated and engineer that gave his heart to his work. It was an honor to have known him, I wish his family comfort in these days. May he rest in peace.

Mac Klingler

November 24, 2024

Another valued co-worker who made Deere such a satisfying place to work has passed to his rewards. Amen

Corby and Philip Johnson

November 24, 2024

Phil was one of the most intelligent people I know. He had that amazing engineering brain and could create what he needed or could fix what was broken remaking it better than before. He had a deep love for the Lord and Gods people and was friendly and helpful. Jane, I will always remember you two as a couple who loved each other and worked together for others and for the Kingdom of God. Blessings as you and you friends and family tell stories about the time when he showed his love and made you laugh.

David & Kristi Cutt

November 23, 2024

So very sorry for your loss.

Doug Rickels

November 23, 2024

Enjoyed singing in the choir with Phil and working on many church projects.

Harrison J Means

November 23, 2024

I am sorry for the loss of my CHS classmate.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Memorial Events
for Phillip Cooper

Nov

30

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Epworth United Methodist Church

Epworth, IA

Nov

30

Service

1:00 p.m.

Epworth United Methodist Church

IA

Funeral services provided by:

Reiff Funeral Home - Epworth

115 E. Main Street, Epworth, IA 52045